logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2025
29m 59s

The Week: Defence Spending, Benefit Cuts...

BBC News
About this episode

Today, James and Chris are joined by Lucy Fisher from the FT and Stephanie Flanders from Bloomberg to discuss; whether the Prime Minister can convince the public that an increase in defence spending is needed, how the benefit cuts are being received and what to expect from the spring statement.

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://discord.gg/m3YPUGv9

New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bit.ly/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by James Cook. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Anna Harris. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Up next
Yesterday
Old Newscast, 2010 Election: The Coalition (Part 2)
Today, we look at the five days that followed the 2010 General Election.David Cameron’s Conservative party had won the most seats but not an overall majority. Through deals and bargaining, he would have to form a coalition government. But how did it happen? The BBC's Gary O’Donag ... Show More
30m 1s
Jun 12
The Keir Starmer Interview
Today, Chris speaks to Sir Keir Starmer, the prime minister, about the resignation of his defence secretary John Healey, his plans for the Defence Investment Plan, and whether or not he’ll fight a potential leadership election.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If ... Show More
25m 5s
May 3
Electioncast: The Mega May Run In
Today, we look at the biggest set of elections in the UK since the 2024 General Election.Laura and Paddy run through what the polls tell us, how insiders are feeling, and the challenges each of the parties face in different parts of Britain.Political correspondent Joe Pike joins ... Show More
42m 20s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2025
Austerity redux? Spring Statement lookahead
It’s crunch time for chancellor Rachel Reeves next Wednesday, when she will present her Spring Statement to parliament. Downgraded growth forecasts and deep spending cuts to unprotected departments loom. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by regulars Miranda Green, Jim Pickard, and the F ... Show More
44m 44s
Aug 2025
BONUS EPISODE: Newscast and Americast live from the Edinburgh Fringe
Today, Newscast joined forces with Americast for an episode live from the Edinburgh fringe recorded at the Edinburgh Fringe in front of a live audience.They were joined by friend of the Newscast James Cook to discuss all things Trump. They chat about what it’s like being part of ... Show More
52m 59s
Feb 2024
Will Germany lead Nato?
<p>UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt is considering slashing public spending to fund pre-election tax cuts, Germany is looking to boost its defence spending at a crucial time for Europe, and Citigroup has started tracking how many calls its private bankers are making to clients. Plus, th ... Show More
11m 2s
Aug 2024
Americanswers! What's the vibe at the Democratic Convention this week?
A collab with our friends at BBC Radio 5 Live.HOSTS: • Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Tony Livesey, 5 Live presenterGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://d ... Show More
36m 45s
Apr 2025
Signal chats, leaks, and sackings... What's going on in the Pentagon?
There’s trouble in the Pentagon - again! Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump have dismissed new reports that the defence secretary sent details of confidential military plans to his wife, brother, and personal lawyer on Signal. They both criticised journalists at the annual White House ... Show More
27m 31s
Jun 2022
Listener question: Should the UK cut arts funding?
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong>Nato is to agree an overhaul of its battle plans to offer better protection to the alliance’s eastern flank, and there is some debate on how to soften the economic blow of the UK leaving the European Union. Plus, a listener wants to know: Is the UK justi ... Show More
12m 20s
Aug 2023
A message to World Review listeners
Listen to Katie Stallard and Megan Gibson's discussion on Russia's war on the future here: https://shows.acast.com/newstatesman/episodes/russias-war-on-the-future-conversation Download the app:iOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/new-statesman-magazine/id610498525Android: https://p ... Show More
1m 14s
Nov 2023
46. Arancha González Laya: The World’s Most Powerful Organisations
Are increased military budgets needed following on from Russia's invasion of Ukraine? Will Europe take the same approach to regulating AI as China and the US? What is it like being a woman in front-bench politics? Rory and Alastair are joined by former Minister of Foreign Affair ... Show More
51m 51s
Sep 2024
Americanswers! Presidential Debate Special
We answer your questions about the upcoming presidential debate.Including:- Their strategies - How they're preparing (and who's role playing Donald Trump for during Democrat rehearsals) - What the rules areHOSTS:* Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Sumi Somaskanda, BBC Chief Presen ... Show More
28m 2s